And we have liftoff

Home again,
working my way through a lot of film with comments and new excersises.

No time to give a daily update.

Time to plan...

and make sure this team will work!

It's all about focus, the rest is easy

..with one exception... getting up wasn't easy...as I could see at breakfast. Elbows on the table head low and eating with minimum effort a bowl of cereal. Is he hurting or is it the fear of an third throwing session in two days? I guess a bit of both.

So this is what happened in the morning:

Question from Ferenc (and George translating and being sincerely interested):  How do you feel?

Answer from Ronald:   Good, it's just hot and I can feel my back, my belly, my leg and shoulder....

Solution:   Ok..than it's going to be a light throwingsession. Just on the grass,  not throwing hard but focussed and repeating everything you heard yesterday.

And focussed he was...as always. With no complains and no pain starting to feel what we are working on.

After that some indoor excercises and knowing the same will happen in the afternoon.

The day ended with a nice diner with Ferenc and George. Getting to know eachother better and setting up the framework for our route to the Paralympics 2012.

Ronald will end this season with 3 more competitions to go....but already focussing on the Paralympics. We'll be back in Budapest in October. Better, because of what we learned these few days and fit to focus, plan and train for the GOLD.

Tommorrow just one more training in Budapest before we fly back. Undoubtely more of the same...but never enough.

No way back

So today it got serious. The first two sessions were inspiring. I expected some new exercises and some confimation on my understanding of the javelin. Sometimes it helps a lot when somebody tells you things you already know but in other words.

This morning we learned more than that and I think its a big change. A change that will hurt. All new exercises will hurt but also adjustments to the technique. Not mayor adjustment but enough to hurt.....a lot.

In my opinion we have a choice.
1) we continue what we are doing for the last year and have a chance of a medal in Paralympics 2012.
2) we take it a level higher and let Ferenc lead the way to GOLD.

Ronald and I discussed both option over diner. While I was eating my salad and Ronald a small horse... we knew it can only be option 2!

Will it be the end of us working together ? Maybe just the opposit. We take a big chance. Not only wil he train his ass off, but he must realize that also the time between the trainingsessions will get him were he wants to be in 2012. He need to make sure he has a good diet, he will rest enough, he doesn't get distracted, keep focused and above all.... keep fit. Listen to his body, expect and endure some pain but knowing when to stop or slowdown to avoid injuries.

In other words.... we started a seriously exciting journey. Let's hope Ronald still feels like this tomorrow morning :-)

Arrival at Budapest

Ladies and gentlemen we arrived at Budapest. The weather is hot, the city is beautiful and we are glad to be here.

Luckely we had an early flight. So today we had some time to do a bit of sightseeing. Maybe not the best preparation for a the upcoming three training-days, but neccesary for the upcoming year. We need to know something about the city. How to get around and were to get supplies if needed.

And as everyone told us:.... Budapest is beautiful... astonishing beautiful. 

A mixture of Paris, Brussels and Rotterdam.

We took the subway to the centre, walked along the Danube-river, crossed over twice and enjoyed the walk, coffee, beverage (a small beer is most suitable in this weather) and meal.

We agreed; it's very well possible we can get used to Budapest as our second training-site. It's maybe to early to say "it feels like our second home".... but we can't deny it so why not say it.

Tomorow at 10 we start training !!

The Kick-off

The day before our (first) departure to Budapest. Finally! A month working towards the start of an exiting Paralympic journey. An adventure towards a Gold medal in september 2012.
A month of keeping contact via email, dropbox and youtube.

Sharing history, plans, ideas and one goal.

Not used to writing in english emails got unnecessary long just to be sure the receiver understood.

But again.... finally monday we meet up with Ferenc Paragi. I expect three intensive days. We need to get to know eachother so there will be no misunderstanding in future digital contact.

For 5 years now Ronald trained under my supervision.  He went from 28mtr in 2006 to 56mtr in 2011.

He's European Champion and European record-holder.

Our National coach (Guido Bonsen) kept him fit. I 'm responsible for his technique.

Yesterday he threw 53,65mtr in Leverkusen. A bit less than expected. 

Monday June 18th 2011, Ferenc Paragi completes our team !

Lets not beat around the bush: We're all working towards the Paralympic Gold in 2012. Yes we mention de GOLD ! GOLD ! and nothing but the gold.  We don't hide. Keep reading this blog and follow us towards september 2012.